Page 86 of House of Desire

And right in front of the glass wall is Parker and a stunning woman with soft looking, blonde hair. I stop in the middle of the restaurant, staring. Miles runs into me with an oof.

The sound must carry, because I’m now looking into Parker’s shocked green eyes, his jaw dropping. While he was the one who pushed, saying I should go out with Miles, I didn’t expect for him to go on a date, too.

Especially at the same restaurant as my date. Too many emotions run through me as I stand here, unable to break eye contact.

“Something the matter?” Miles says, putting his face in my line of sight so he can see my face while his hand gently rests on my arm.

“No, nothing’s the matter,” I say, and finish making my way to the secluded, semi-circle booth the hostess is standing by.

“How’s this?” she asks, placing the menus down at each place.

“It’s great,” I say, scooting in on one side while Miles comes in from the other.

“Perfect. Your server will be Frances and she will be right with you.” And just like that, she’s off.

“This is amazing,” I say, trying to pretend like my world didn’t just implode. The dining room is dimly lit with candles, the walls painted a darker shade of green, enhancing the coziness. I open the menu, but the words all blend together.

“Everything is good, but you really can’t go wrong with the filet mignon with truffle butter. I’ve also heard the lobster risotto is delicious.”

“Both of those sound delicious. Do you come here often?” I ask, searching for a topic of conversation I can focus on.

“I’ve been here a few times. Do you think we should get some wine with our meal?”

“Good evening,” our server says, walking up at the perfect time to keep me from having to respond. “My name is Frances and I will be taking care of you today.

“Our specials tonight are a delicious grilled swordfish steak served with a tangy mango salsa, and paired with a coconut rice and sauteed broccolini. The second special is a succulent rack of lamb encrusted with rosemary and garlic, cooked to your preference, and served with a rich port wine reduction sauce. On the side are creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.”

I think of Parker picking Carmen’s meal over mine and going on a solo date with her. But before the memory can make me spiral, I lock it down.

“I’m going to have the filet, medium-rare. Bring me whatever wine the chef suggests,” Miles says.

“And for you, ma’am?” she asks, turning to me.

“If you had to pick between the lobster risotto and the lamb special, which would you go with?”

It doesn’t really matter. I’m not going to be able to taste any of it anyway, knowing Parker is twenty feet away enjoying the company of a beautiful woman. I take a peek at their table and the woman is basically vibrating with happiness at whatever Parker is saying and he gives her a small smile.

“While our normal menu items are tried-and-true staples of our dining experience, I do think the lamb shines.”

“Let’s do that. Medium, please? And I’ll have a glass of wine the chef suggests, as well. Thank you.”

She gives us a nod, taking our menus before hustling off to put in our orders. Another server brings over bread and butter, filling our water glasses at the same time.

“I saw some commercials for House of Desire the past few weeks. How was that experience? Media days are my least favorite days of my career, what with all the people bossing us around on where to be and what to say.”

For the first time since I saw Parker, I really focus on Miles.

“We had a lot of that, too! Throw in having to try to do natural reactions four or five times so they could get the shots they wanted. It’s hard to look genuinely shocked on the fifth take of a disagreement,” I tell him and he smiles. It’s a great smile and a small piece of my stomach flutters at having it pointed in my direction.

And so our date goes, on and on. We go back and forth asking questions as we eat some of the best food I’ve ever had.

“What sorts of hobbies do you like to do in the off season?” I ask Miles, trying to find some common ground.

“I typically visit various golf courses or go out on a friend’s yacht for some relaxation and sun. Do you often get out on the water?”

“My bakery takes up a lot of my time and I don’t have any friends that own boats. What’s your favorite golf course?”

The fun I’ve had has really surprised me. I didn’t think I’d be able to focus on anything other than Parker over by the window, and while I did glance at him a few times, I’ve enjoyed talking to Miles. But it’s become evident that there’s a large divide between our interests the longer we talk. He’s a lovely guy, funny and smart, but I know that we aren’t a good fit. We stand from the booth, I can’t wait to get home and change into my comfortable clothes.

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